Eva & Julie 2023

2022 was a real doozy of a year for Eva and Julie. Only months after the traumatic loss of our father to COVID, Julie was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. They rode the roller coaster of doctor’s visits, treatment plans, side effects, and then to good news PET scans, to cancer returning.

Remarkably, through all of it, they continued to serve their community as they always do. Eva continued to lead the charge of the life-changing work of TMI Project, and Julie continued to support the next generation of youth in The Future Perfect Project. I got to watch Julie showcase the most recent animation project, How Life Is: Queer Life Animated on her 50th birthday. It was only weeks after finding out cancer had returned and days into the next round of chemo treatment. No one in the audience would have ever known the load she carries on her shoulders. Instead, that night was about showcasing and celebrating the amazing LGBTQ+ youth that shared their stories and the artists that produced them.

One of the unfortunate realities people face when diagnosed with complicated illnesses is ongoing medical bills. Eva and Julie were hit hard last year, and they will continue to navigate the healthcare system in the future. I’d like to ensure 2023 is just a little easier for them by eliminating the financial stressor that has come with this diagnosis. For a couple that makes it their life work to give back to the community, it is time to wrap them in love and show our support.